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AMI launches audio described French-language channel

The Canadian accessibility company Accessible Media Inc. (AMI) has launched AMI-télé, the world's first French-language channel to present its entire schedule with open audio description.

According to AMI, the service, primarily intended for the blind or partially sighted, will provide general content in French via satellite and cable companies to their subscribers.

AMI states that 100 percent of AMI-télé's programming is offered in with audio description integrated into the video content of the channel so the described video is directly accessible and does not require a decoder or a remote control.

In a statement, AMI president David Errington said the launch of the channel represented a major step forward in media access for people who could not enjoy television in its traditional format.

AMI intends to add original public service and information programming in the first quarter of 2015, but currently the channel offers popular series such as Sex and the City, CSI New York and Colombo.

The company also said it believes that AMI-télé will immediately create a noticeable increase in the supply and quality of described video in the market. AMI intends to offer 750 hours of new described video produced in its first year for existing programs. It is also undertaking to give this content to the producers so that these programs will become part of the available inventory.

The launch of the channel marks another milestone in a productive year for AMI and the provision of accessible content in Canada.